Applicator System

ABSTRACT

An applicator system comprises a container and an applicator. The container is configured to contain a substance to be applied using the applicator. The container is further configured to support the applicator in an accessible orientation in use. For example, the container can comprise a first chamber that is open at an end thereof. The first chamber can be arranged to receive and locate at least an active end of the applicator therein and to hold the applicator in the accessible orientation in use. The container can also comprise a second chamber that is arranged to receive and hold therein the substance to be contacted by the active end of the applicator in use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/487,191, filed on Aug. 20, 2019, with is a 371 applicationof PCT/AU2018/050166, filed Feb. 27, 2018, which claims priority toAustralian Patent Application No. 2017900742, filed Mar. 3, 2017,incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An applicator system is disclosed that comprises a container and anapplicator. The container is configured to contain a substance to beapplied using the applicator. The container is also configured tosupport the applicator in an accessible orientation in use.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic, therapeutic and medicament creams, ointments and lotions canbe held in tub-like containers. When the cream, ointment or lotion isaccessed (e.g. scooped) by hand, it can become contaminated. Forexample, contamination may occur when a cream is being repeatedlyapplied to a baby during a nappy change. Also, with tub-containers, auser's hands become coated with the cream, ointment or lotion that isaccessed. This may not always be desirable, for example, when the creamis water-repellent and so is not easily washed off.

One known solution to the contamination and handling issue is to use aspatula to apply the cream, ointment or lotion to a user's skin. Afteruse, an end of the spatula can then be wiped clean with a disposablenapkin/wipe.

The above references to the background art do not constitute anadmission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of aperson of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also notintended to limit the application of the container and applicator asdisclosed herein.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an applicator system. The system comprises acontainer and an applicator. The container can be configured to containa substance (e.g. a cream, ointment or lotion such as a cosmetic,therapeutic or medicament cream, ointment or lotion). The substance canbe applied using the applicator. The container can be further configuredto support the applicator in an accessible orientation in use.

The applicator can be presented for ease of access by a user, and can beused to apply the substance instead of relying on e.g. hand application.This can prevent contamination of the substance, as well as coating of auser's hand.

The container can comprise a first chamber that is open at an endthereof (e.g. at an in-use upper end). The first chamber can receive andlocate at least an active end of the applicator therein. The firstchamber can also hold the applicator in the accessible orientation inuse. The active end of the applicator can be used, for example, toaccess and apply the substance (e.g. cream, ointment or lotion) held inthe container. The active end can be retained in the first chamberbefore or after use, out of the way of further contamination orhandling. The active end may also be washed, wiped, wrapped and/ordisinfected before being replaced in the first chamber, and/or beforebeing reused.

The container can also comprise a second chamber that is arranged toreceive and hold therein the substance (e.g. a cosmetic, therapeutic,medicament, etc cream, ointment or lotion). In use, the substance may becontacted only by the active end of the applicator.

The container can further comprise a lid. The lid can be configured toclose the second chamber to enclose the substance therein in use. Thelid can be further configured such that, when it closes the secondchamber, it does not close the open end of the first chamber (or atleast it does not close the open end such as to hinder the insertion andremoval of the applicator). Thus, the applicator is able to remain inthe accessible orientation.

In one embodiment, the applicator may be configured to be elongate. Forexample, the applicator may be configured to have an elongate brush- orpencil-like form.

In one embodiment, the first chamber may be configured such that anopposite (e.g. handle) end of the applicator can project therefrom inthe accessible orientation in use. For example, the applicator may beconfigured to have a length such that e.g. a graspable portion of theapplicator protrudes from and beyond the first chamber open end, such aswhen the active end is located at a base of the first chamber.

In one embodiment, the first chamber and the applicator may each have aconfiguration such that the applicator can stand within the firstchamber (e.g. in a generally upright configuration). This can helpfacilitate access and grasping of the handle end of the applicator.

In one embodiment, the active end of the applicator may be configuredfor contacting, retaining and applying the substance held in thecontainer. For example, the applicator active end may comprise a pad,brush or a flexible (e.g. elastomeric) paddle-like head.

In one embodiment, the first chamber may be adjacent to the secondchamber.

In one embodiment, the first chamber may be surrounded by the secondchamber. In another embodiment, the first chamber may define a segmentlocated within and adjacent to a wall of the container.

In either case, an inner wall of the second chamber may define all orpart of an outer wall of the first chamber (e.g. the first and secondchambers may share a common wall).

In one embodiment, the second chamber may define a volumetric annulusaround the first chamber. In this case, the first chamber may be definedas tubular. The volume of the annulus can hold the substance. Thetubular configuration of the first chamber may be optimised towardsreceiving and supporting the applicator therein (e.g. having a lengthand effective diameter to support a sufficient portion of theapplicator, including supporting the active end at a base of the firstchamber). In this regard, an elongate applicator may stand within thetube of the first chamber in a generally upright configuration.

In one embodiment, the lid may be hinge-connected to an external wall ofthe container. This can enable the lid to pivot between closed and openpositions. For example, when the lid is open, the substance in thesecond chamber may be accessed by the applicator active end.

In one embodiment, the lid may be held closed by a catch. The catch maybe located at an in-use upper end of the container. Further, the catchmay be configured for manual activation to become released from the lid.When the catch is so-released the lid can pivot away from the closedposition.

In one embodiment, the catch may retain a depressible push-buttontherewithin. This push-button can, for example, allow the catch to bereleased from the lid free from contamination (e.g. it can be engaged bya non-contaminated or non-coated finger or by handle end of theapplicator). The depression of the push-button can cause a latch of thecatch to be released from the lid, whereby the lid is able to pivot awayfrom the closed position.

In one embodiment, the lid may be spring-loaded. Thus, once the catch isreleased from the lid, the spring can cause the lid to pivot to the openposition. In other words, this can enhance lid release in a manner thatfurther reduces the likelihood of contamination.

In one embodiment, the catch may be formed as part of a component thatis arranged to be mounted at (e.g. to form a part of) the upper end ofthe container. This means that the catch can be formed separately to therest of the container. This in turn can mean that the rest of thecontainer can have a volume for the substance that is free fromintrusion or interference by the catch. In other words, the substancevolume in the container can be maximised.

In one embodiment, the component for the container upper end maycomprise a first ring formation (i.e. that can be formed, such as bymoulding, separately to the rest of the container). The catch may extendinwardly of the first ring formation and can overlie the second chamberwhen the first ring formation is mounted to the container upper end. Inthis way, the catch does not intrude or interfere with the volume ofsubstance able to be held in the second chamber of the container.

The first ring formation may be affixed (e.g. by being screw-mounted,bayonet-fitted, adhesively secured, etc) to the container upper end. Inthis regard, the first ring formation may have an internally formedthread that is arranged to screw-mount with an externally formed threadarranged at the container upper end.

In one embodiment, the component may further comprise a second ringformation. The second ring formation may locate at and surround the openupper end of the first chamber (i.e. when the first ring formation isaffixed to the container upper end). The catch may extend between thefirst ring formation and the second ring formation. The catch may jointhe first ring formation to the second ring formation. As will beexplained in further detail hereafter, the second ring formation canprovide an additional support function to the catch. This, in turn, canhelp to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid (e.g. when the containeris partially or fully empty and a force is applied to the container).

In one embodiment, the catch may comprise a catch formation (i.e. forretention of the componentry of the catch). The catch formation may beintegrally formed with the first ring formation to extend inwardlythereof and so that it overlies the second chamber in use. The catchformation may be integrally formed with the second ring formation toextend outwardly thereof, again so that it overlies the second chamberin use. The componentry of the catch, namely, the depressiblepush-button and latch, can be retained within the catch formation inuse.

In one embodiment, the component for the container upper end (e.g. atthe first ring formation) may further comprise an external mounting forthe hinge of the lid. This external mounting may comprise e.g. tworinglets that are e.g. integrally moulded with the component (e.g.integrally moulded with the first ring formation). The external mountingmay receive an axle of the hinge in use. In this way, the hinge can beseparated from the rest of the container.

Also disclosed herein is a container for use with the system as setforth above. The container comprises a first chamber that is open at anend thereof (e.g. open at an in-use upper end). The first chamber isarranged to receive and locate at least an active end of an applicatortherein and to hold the applicator in an accessible orientation in use.The container also comprises a second chamber that is arranged toreceive and hold therein a substance to be contacted by the active endof the applicator in use. The container further comprises a lid. The lidcan close the second chamber to enclose the substance therein in use.The lid may be further configured such that, when it closes the secondchamber, it does not close the open end of the first chamber (or atleast it does not close the open end such as to hinder the insertion andremoval of the applicator). Thus, the applicator is able to remain inthe accessible orientation.

The container can be configured such that the second chamber maycompletely surround the first chamber. As set forth above, this meansthat the second chamber can have a volume for the substance that is freefrom intrusion or interference (e.g. such as by the catch, etc). Inother words, the volume of substance in the second chamber can bemaximised. Further, as set forth above, other components of thecontainer (e.g. the catch, latch, lid, etc) do not intrude or interferewith the volume of substance able to be held in the second chamber. Theconfiguration also simplifies manufacture of the container (i.e. simplermould, less moving parts), as well as filling of the container, andaccessing of the substance in use.

The container may be otherwise configured as set forth above for thesystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of a system comprising a container and an applicator, as setforth in the Summary, will now be described, by way of example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show front and rear perspective views of afirst embodiment of a container and applicator of the system, with thecontainer in a (lid) closed configuration;

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show front and rear perspective views ofthe first embodiment of the container and applicator, with the containerin a (lid) open configuration;

FIGS. 3A to 3C respectively show perspective views of a first embodimentof a lid, catch and mounting formation for the container of FIGS. 1 and2, with the catch in an exploded configuration in FIG. 3A, with thecatch comprising a latch located therein in FIG. 3B, and with the catchbeing assembled in FIG. 3C;

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show side and side-sectional views of thefirst embodiment of the container and applicator, again with thecontainer in a lid closed configuration;

FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively show rear perspective and detail views ofthe first embodiment of the container and applicator, again with thecontainer in a lid closed configuration, and illustrating a rear hingeconfiguration of the lid;

FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively show front and rear exploded perspectiveviews of the first embodiment of the container and applicator, withdetail A illustrating a latch of the catch, with detail B illustrating amounting support of the catch, and with detail C illustrating a hingepin of the lid hinge;

FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively show perspective views of a secondembodiment of a container, with the container in (lid) closed and (lid)open configurations respectively; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show perspective and plan views of a secondembodiment of a catch and mounting formation for a container, with FIGS.8C and 8D showing the catch and mounting formation of FIGS. 8A and 8B,along with an associated lid, in place on a container that is like thatshown in FIGS. 6A & 6B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 6, a first embodiment of an applicatorsystem is shown that comprises a container in the form of a modifiedtub-like container, hereafter a “tub” 10, and an applicator in the formof an ergonomically shaped and sized elongate brush 12 for use with thetub 10.

The system enables the brush 12 to be supported in an accessibleorientation in use, and can also prevent inadvertent user contact with asubstance held in the tub 10. The system can further prevent inadvertentcontamination of the brush 12. In addition, and as best shown in FIGS.6A & B, the configuration of the components of the tub 10 is such as tomaximise the annular volume for the substance to be held in the tub 10.This is explained in further detail below.

An active end 14 of the brush 12 is formed to be able to access, contactand subsequently apply a substance that is held in the tub 10 (e.g. acosmetic, therapeutic or medicament cream, ointment or lotion). Theactive brush end 14 can comprise a porous or pad-like polymeric foammaterial, a brush such as of synthetic or natural hair/fibre, or aflexible (e.g. polymeric or elastomeric) paddle-like head.

The components of the tub 10 are typically injection moulded from aplastic material. The same or different plastic can be used for eachcomponent. The plastic can, for example, comprise a gas-assistedpolypropylene which is able to be injected into moulds so as to properlydefine, in and throughout the mould, wall thicknesses that varythroughout the components of the tub. Also, use of such a plastic canproduce a high quality finish.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A & B, the tub 10 comprises a base portion 15which is configured for holding the substance as well as the brush 12.In this regard, the base portion 15 comprises a first chamber in theform of a central tubular recess 16. The recess 16 is open at an upperend 18 thereof and is closed at its base. As best shown in e.g. FIGS.4B, 6A & B, the recess 16 can receive and locate therein the activebrush end 14 of the brush 12, as well as a portion of an elongate handle20 of the brush 12. As best shown in e.g. FIGS. 1 and 4A, the length ofhandle 20 is such that a significant portion thereof is able to protrudefrom and beyond the open end 18 of the recess 16 when the active brushend 14 is located at the base of the recess 16. This orientationpromotes easy access and handling of the brush 12 in use.

The active brush end 14 is retained in the recess 16 before and afteruse, out of the way of contamination and handling. The active brush end14 can be washed, wiped, wrapped and/or disinfected before beingreplaced in the recess 16, and/or before being reused. A base of thetubular recess 16 may optionally hold a disinfectant. The recess 16 mayalso comprise a projecting flange, grip or clip that engages part of thebrush (e.g. clips onto handle 20) to keep it spaced just above the baseof recess 16.

The brush 12 is selected and designed to have a configuration, namely, asufficient length and width, such that it is able to stand generallyupright within the recess 16. In this regard, the tubular configurationof the recess 16 is optimised towards receiving and supporting therein agood/sufficient portion of the handle 20 of brush 12, but also so that asufficient length of the handle 20 protrudes beyond the recess 16 forease of accessing/grasping by a user.

The base portion 15 also comprises a second chamber in the form of anannular-shaped volume 22 that is arranged to receive and hold thereinthe substance. As best shown in FIGS. 6A & B, the annular volume 22 islocated adjacent to, and so as to completely surround to thereby define,the tubular profile of recess 16 (i.e. the annular volume 22 defines avolumetric annulus around the recess 16). Thus, the wall of recess 16provides an inside wall to the annular volume 22 (i.e. a common wall),thereby providing for maximum compactness and use of space in baseportion 15.

This also means that the annular volume 22 has a volume for thesubstance that is free from intrusion or interference (e.g. such as by alid, lid catch, lid hinge, etc). In other words, the volume of substanceto be located in the annular volume 22 can be maximised. The resultantconfiguration of the base portion 15 is such as to simplify manufactureof this part of the tub 10 (i.e. a simpler mould, with less movingparts). In addition, the base portion 15 can be easily filled with asubstance, prior to securing the lid, etc thereto. Also, the use ofwhole annular volume 22 can improve access to the substance in use, withthe brush active end 145 able to be manoeuvred into all parts of theannular volume 22.

It will also be seen in FIGS. 6A & B that an outside upper end of thebase portion 15 comprises an externally formed thread 24, for releasablyattaching a lid mounting formation, as will now be described.

In this regard, the tub 10 further comprises a lid mounting formation inthe form of a detachable mounting ring 26. The mounting ring 26comprises all of the formations required for securing a lid to the baseportion 15, as described hereafter. In other words, base portion 15 canhave as simple a configuration as possible. An inside lower portion ofthe mounting ring 26 is internally threaded 28, with thread 28corresponding to thread 24, to enable the mounting ring 26 to bereleasably screw mounted onto the base portion 15. The mounting ring 26also comprises an integrally moulded catch formation 29 that projectsinwardly of the ring, and which is described hereafter.

A lid 30 of the tub 10 is able to be hingeably attached to the mountingring 26 at a hinge assembly 31. In this regard, and as best shown inFIG. 5B, the mounting ring 26 comprises two, spaced and integrallymoulded loop formations 32 that act as a hinge support for the lid 30. Arear of the lid 30 comprises two corresponding, spaced and integrallymoulded loop formations 34 that are configured to locate outside theloop formations 32. The rear of the lid 30 also has a middle projection35 that is arranged to locate between the loop formations 32 as shown.Apertures through the loops 32, 34 are aligned to provide a passage fora hinge pin 36 to be inserted therethrough (see also FIGS. 6B & detailC).

As shown in the detail of FIG. 6C, the hinge pin 36 comprises anenlargement 37 on its shank 38, the enlargement 37 being spaced alongthe shank from a head 39 of the pin. During insertion of the pin 36, theenlargement 37 passes interferingly through (i.e. so as to deform) oneof the loop formations 34, and so as to then retain that loop formation34 on the shank 38 (i.e. between the enlargement 37 and the pin head39). This secures the pin in the hinge. A double-acting helical spring(not shown) is, during pin insertion, arranged on the shank 38, tolocate under the middle projection 35 and between the loop formations32. The spring is arranged and configured to bias the lid 30 into theopen position as shown in FIGS. 2A & B.

As set forth above, the mounting ring 26 also comprises an integrallymoulded catch formation 29 that projects inwardly of the ring. When thering 26 has been screw-mounted onto the base portion 15, the catchformation 29 overlies, so as to close a portion of, the annular volume22 (see e.g. FIG. 2B). In addition, an inner edge of the catch formation29 can rest on the upper end of the wall of tubular recess 16. As bestshown in FIGS. 1A & B, the lid 30 is further configured to close aremainder of the annular volume 22 (i.e. the remaining portion notcovered by the catch formation 29). In this regard, an inner rim 33 ofthe lid can rest on a remainder of the upper end of the wall of tubularrecess 16. Further, the lid outer rim rests on the outer wall of thebase portion 15 to enclose the substance within the annular volume 22 oftub 10.

The catch formation 29 is formed to comprise a centrally and integrallyformed spigot 40 that projects upwardly from a base of the formation(see FIG. 3A and detail B in FIG. 6). In addition, two spaced, oppositeseats 42 are arranged at opposing sides of and within the catchformation 29 to project upwardly therefrom. The spigot 40, together withthe seats 42, cooperates to retain and support thereat a deflectablelatch plate 44 (typically of a deflectable wear and fatigue resistantmetal). As shown in FIGS. 3A & B and detail A of FIG. 6, the latch plate44 has a central aperture 46 which interferingly receives the spigot 40therein. Opposite ends of the latch plate 44 then sit on, to traverseover and be supported by, the seats 42. Opposite ends of the latch plate44 also comprise latching lugs 48. When the latch plate 44 is secured inthe catch formation 29, each lug 48 is arranged to protrude from arespective aperture 50 in a respective side wall of the catch formation29 (see FIG. 3C and detail B in FIG. 6).

Each protruding lug 48 is now able to latchingly engage with the lid 30.In this regard, to enable latching engagement to occur, the lid 30 isprovided with a cut-away section 52 that corresponds in shape to thecatch formation 29. The cut-away section 52 is configured to snuglyreceive therein the catch formation 29 when the lid 30 is closed.

It should be noted that the lid 30 is further configured such that, whenthe lid 30 acting together with the catch formation 29 closes theannular volume 22, it does not close the open end 18 of the recess 16,at least so as not to hinder brush access (i.e. so as not to hinderinsertion and removal of the brush 12 (see e.g. FIGS. 1A & B).

Each side wall 54 of the cut-away section 52 has corresponding slot 55formed therein, with the slot arranged to latchingly receive arespective latching lug 48 therein (i.e. when the lid is closed, as inFIGS. 1A & B). Each slot 55 is defined above a rebate 56 that iscentrally located in its respective side wall 54 (see e.g. FIGS. 3A toC).

The catch formation 29 further retains a depressible push-button 60thereat. The push-button 60 has a depression 62 into which a user'sfinger is received in use. The opposite side walls of the push-button 60each comprise spaced apart, laterally projecting guide lugs 64 mouldedtherewith (see FIGS. 3A & 6B). When the push-button 60 is press-locatedinto the catch formation 29, each guide lug 64 is urged so as to locatein a respective vertical passage 66 (see FIG. 3C and detail B in FIG.6), with each passage defined in a respective and close-facing side wallof the catch formation 29. Once so located, the push-button 60 sits onand is supported by the deflectable latch plate 44.

In use, when the push-button 60 is depressed, the guide lugs 64 eachtrack downwardly in their respective passage 66, and a central portionof the latch plate 44 is also caused to be deflected downwardly.However, the ends of the latch plate 44 do not deflect down, as theyrest on their respective seats 42. In fact, these ends are deflectedslightly up. This in turn causes each latching lug 48 to be withdrawninto its respective aperture 50 and out of latching engagement with itscorresponding slot 55 of the lid 30. This now releases the lid 30, sothat it can be pivoted up and away by the action of its spring-loadedhinge. The tub 10 is now open (FIGS. 2A & B), and the substance heldtherein can be accessed.

After use, when the lid is manually closed by a user, the rebates 56 inthe side walls 54 of the lid 30 enable the lid to be moved past thelatching lugs 48, until these lugs deflect and are aligned to re-latchwith their corresponding slots 55.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A & B, where like reference numerals are used todenote similar or like parts, a second embodiment of an applicatorsystem is shown that comprises a container in the form of anothermodified tub-like container, hereafter tub 100. In FIGS. 7A & B, theapplicator in the form of the brush 12 is removed for clarity.

The tub 100 is in many respects the same as the tub 10. However, in tub100 the base portion 15 is modified to take the form of an integral tubbase 115. In tub base 115 the tubular recess 16 does not stand solelyupright from the base. Rather, the tubular recess 16 is connected to aremainder of the tub base 115 via supporting walls 110. This means thatthe annular volume 22 does not extend completely around the tubularrecess 16, with the annular volume 22 being truncated by the supportingwalls 110. Thus, the available volume for the substance is reduced.

In addition, tub 100 does not employ a separate mounting ring 26.Rather, the upper rim of the tub base 115 is defined by a rebatedcircumferential region 105. The lid 30 closes around and into thisrebated region 105, as illustrated in FIG. 7A. Furthermore, the catchformation 29 is integrally mounted with the rebated region 105. Thus,the push-button 60 extends over and locates between the supporting walls110.

The operation and function of the tub 100 is, in most other respects,the same as that described above for the tub 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to 8D, where like reference numerals are usedto denote similar or like parts, a second embodiment of a catch andmounting formation in the form of a modified mounting ring 86 isdepicted. FIGS. 8C and 8D show the modified mounting ring 86 of FIGS. 8Aand 8B, along with an associated lid 30, when in place on a base portion15 that is much like that shown in FIGS. 6A & 6B.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the modified, detachable mounting ring 86 that isshown is very much like the detachable mounting ring 26 as shown inFIGS. 3A to 3C. Hence, like reference numerals will be used to denotesimilar or like parts to those shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, with these partsnot being re-described in detail.

In this regard, the modified mounting ring 86 again comprises each ofthe formations required to secure the lid 30 to the base portion 15 ofthe tub 10. Again, this means that the base portion 15 can have assimple a configuration as possible. In this regard, an inside lowerportion of the mounting ring 86 is internally threaded 28 to enable themounting ring 86 to be releasably screw-mounted onto the base portion15. The mounting ring 86 also comprises an integrally moulded catchformation 29 that projects inwardly of the ring 86.

However, in accordance with the modification to the mounting ring 86,the mounting ring further comprises a second ring formation in the formof a support ring 88. As best shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, the support ring88 is connected to the underside of an inward distal end of the catchformation 29 (e.g. it can be integrally moulded with the catch formation29). As shown in FIGS. 8C & 8D, the support ring 88 is able locate atand surround the open upper end 18 of the tubular recess 16 (i.e. oncethe mounting ring 86 has been affixed (i.e. screwed on) to the baseportion 15 of the tub 10). For example, the support ring 88 canconfigured (e.g. sized) so as to be press- or push-mounted (e.g. in aforce- or interference-type fit) onto the upper end 18 of the tubularrecess 16. Additionally, an adhesive may be employed to affix thesupport ring 88 to the upper end 18 of tubular recess 16.

Thus, the catch formation 29 extends between the mounting ring 86 andthe support ring 88. Once the mounting ring 86 has been mounted to thebase portion 15, the catch formation 29 is able to thereby form a“bridge” between the tubular recess 16 and the base portion 15. Thisbridge can provide additional support to the catch formation 29, andthereby provide additional support to the componentry of the catch (i.e.to the spigot 40, seats 42, latch plate 44 and push-button 60). Thisadditional support function can, in turn, help to prevent inadvertentopening of the lid 30, such as which might otherwise occur when the baseportion 15 of the tub 10 is partially or fully empty and a force (e.g.bump, blow, squeeze, etc.) is applied to a side wall of the base portion15.

In each of the tub 10 and tub 100, the push-button 60 can be depressedby a user's finger or by a remote end of the brush handle 20 (i.e. thelatter typically being free from contamination or substance). Further,because the hinge spring causes the lid 30 to pivot to the openposition, a user does not need to remove the lid manually, using fingersor hands that can be contaminated or coated with substance, thus furtherreducing the likelihood of contamination.

When the lid 30 is open, the user can still easily access and handle thebrush 12. The active brush end 14 can be dipped into the substance, andthen applied by the user (e.g. applied to another person, such as ababy, child, elderly person, etc, or to themselves). Thereafter, theactive brush end 14 can be repositioned in the recess 16, out of the wayof contamination. The active brush end 14 can be washed, wiped, wrappedand/or disinfected before being replaced in the recess 16, and/or beforebeing reused.

Now that a number of embodiments have been described, it will beappreciated that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made tothe disclosed embodiments.

For example, the tub 10, 100 may be reshaped, whereby the recess 16 isdefined as a segment located adjacent to a wall of the tub. The lid 30can be reshaped accordingly. The tub may be square, rectangular, etc.The lid 30 may be mounted and pivoted without spring activation.

In another example, the catch formation 29 and/or mounting ring 26 canbe co- or bi-moulded together with the tub, instead of being formed asseparate parts to be fitted during assembly.

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respectsas illustrative and not restrictive.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theapplicator system, except where the context requires otherwise due toexpress language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusivesense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not topreclude the presence or addition of further features in variousembodiments of the applicator system.

What is claimed is:
 1. An applicator system comprising a container andan applicator, the container being configured to contain a substance tobe applied using the applicator, the container being further configuredto support the applicator in an accessible orientation in use, whereinthe container comprises: a first chamber that is open at an in-use upperend thereof, the first chamber arranged to receive and locate at leastan active end of the applicator therein and to hold the applicator inthe accessible orientation in use; a second chamber that is open at anin-use upper end thereof, the second chamber arranged to receive andhold therein the substance to be contacted by the active end of theapplicator in use; and a lid that is configured to close the open upperend of the second chamber to enclose the substance therein in use, thelid being further configured such that, when it closes the open upperend of the second chamber, it does not close the open upper end of thefirst chamber, whereby the applicator is able to remain in theaccessible orientation.
 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein theapplicator is elongate, and wherein the first chamber and the applicatoreach have a configuration such that an opposite end of the applicator isable to protrude from and beyond the first chamber open end when theactive end is located at a base of the first chamber.
 3. A system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the applicator eachhave a configuration such that the applicator is generally able to standwithin the first chamber.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein theactive end of the applicator is configured for contacting, retaining andapplying the substance held in the container.
 5. A system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the first chamber is one or both of: adjacent to thesecond chamber; surrounded by the second chamber.
 6. A system as claimedin claim 1, wherein the second chamber defines a volumetric annulusaround the first chamber, whereby the first chamber is defined astubular.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid ishinge-connected to an external wall of the container, and is able topivot between closed and open positions.
 8. A system as claimed in claim7, wherein the lid is held closed by a catch located at the in-use upperend of the container, the catch configured for manual activation tobecome released from the lid, whereby the lid is able to pivot away fromthe closed position.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein thecatch is configured to retain a depressible push-button therewithin, thedepression of which causes a latch of the catch to be released from thelid, whereby the lid is able to pivot away from the closed position. 10.A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lid is spring-loadedwhereby, once the catch is released from the lid, the spring causes thelid to pivot to the open position.
 11. A system as claimed in claim 8,wherein the catch is formed as part of a component that is arranged tobe mounted at the upper end of the container.
 12. A system as claimed inclaim 11, wherein the component comprises a first ring formation that isable to be affixed, such as by being screw-mounted, to the containerupper end, with the catch extending inwardly of the first ring formationand overlying the second chamber.
 13. A system as claimed in claim 12,wherein the catch comprises a catch formation that is integrally formedwith the first ring formation to extend inwardly thereof to overlie thesecond chamber in use, with the depressible push-button and latch beingretained within the catch formation.
 14. A system as claimed in claim12, wherein the component further comprises a second ring formation thatis able to locate at and surround the open upper end of the firstchamber when the first ring formation is affixed to the container upperend, with the catch extending between and joining the first ringformation to the second ring formation.
 15. A system as claimed in claim12, wherein the component for the container upper end further comprisesan external mounting for the hinge of the lid.
 16. A container for usewith the system as set forth in claim 1, the container comprising: afirst chamber that is open at an in-use upper end thereof, the firstchamber arranged to receive and locate at least an active end of anapplicator therein and to hold the applicator in an accessibleorientation in use; a second chamber that is open at an in-use upper endthereof, the second chamber arranged to receive and hold therein asubstance to be contacted by the active end of the applicator in use;and a lid that is configured to close the open upper end of the secondchamber to enclose the substance therein in use, the lid being furtherconfigured such that, when it closes the open upper end of the secondchamber, it does not close the open upper end of the first chamber,whereby the applicator is able to remain in the accessible orientationin use.
 17. A container as claimed in claim 16 wherein the first chamberis one or both of: adjacent to the second chamber; surrounded by thesecond chamber.
 18. A container as claimed in claim 16, wherein thesecond chamber defines a volumetric annulus around the first chamber,whereby the first chamber is defined as tubular.
 19. A container asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the lid is hinge-connected to an externalwall of the container, and is able to pivot between closed and openpositions.
 20. A container as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lid isheld closed by a catch located as the in-use upper end of the container,the catch configured for manual activation to become released from thelid, whereby the lid is able to pivot away from the closed position.